Ernest Rutherford

1967-1989

Ernest Rutherford

1967-1989

Physics

Known for his work in Physics...

The reason we know Ernest Rutherford is his atomic theory. This theory described the atom of have a central positive nucleus surrounded by negative orbiting electrons. This suggested that most of the mass of the atoms was contained in the small nucleus, and that the rest of the atoms was mostly empty space. Rutherford came to this conclusion by following the results of his gold foil experiment. He found that this theory was true. His reasoning for even finding this out was concerned with the magnetic properties of iron exposed to high-frequency oscillations and his thesis was entitled magnetization of iron by high frequency discharges. Rutherford also won a great deal of awards like the Noble Prize, Knighthood, Order of Merit, Peerage, and Coat of Arms. He has degrees in Physics and many other things.